Bugger: Do we all need a PCR test?

[52andblue]

Sorry to be dim (not much sleep last night)

Dd went to a friends ffor a sleepover on Sat & brother of that household came to ours for a sleepover with Ds. I just got a text from NHS test and protect to say that I've been identified as a close contact and need to self isolate & test.
At same time, I got a text from the other parent to say that (another, younger) sibling has tested positive for Covid.
Both my kids went to school today after we did our 2 x weekly routine lateral flow tests last night (both negative).
So I will do a lateral flow now but do I need to book all 3 of us for a PCR too? (both kids have a cough, from Dad, who has a stinking cold)

They HAD a cough. (I appreciate my 1st posts say 'have a cough' so it seems like I am altering it to suit, but I posted sloppily as not much sleep last night, they had a cough).
DAD who doesn't live with us had a cold (tested negative for Covid). Kids caught it. 10 days ago. It was half term (we are in rural Scotland) We didn't go anywhere or mix anyway. Did LFTs and normal as usual (appreciate should have done a PCR but Dad negative & we weren't going out anyway so didn't: my mistake & I'll be more cautious now)

At the end of that 10 days there was a sleepover (sat night)
One of mine went to their house. one of theirs came to mine.
A different sibling from their house has just tested positive (not a family member of mine)
I got a call from Test and trace (as 'close contact' of sleepover kids sibling? but then I got texts for both kids so it was clearly that origin)
I got a call from Test and Trace (as a 'close contact of sleepover kids sibling?) but then I got another one for each of my 2 kids (so obvs that origin) T&T suggested a PCR test for us 3. So I've booked a PCR.

As far as i'm aware the rules (ever changing) are that you don't need to PCR test if you are a identified as a close contact. Ofcourse you can if you want to but it's not imperative that you do. I think it's a good idea if you do but understand it must be difficult if you have a child/children with ASD. I hope you all don't catch it, fingers crossed

Why are people doing LFT's for symptoms?
I have the worst head cold and a slight cough as does DH. Both positive PCR and all LFT's done the 2 weeks leading up have been negative

@Pinkfluffyunicornsandrainbows
That's what Test and Trace said on the phone this afternoon:
'we weren't required to PCR test but it was recommended'. So, we did & await results. (it nearly went wrong as Dd is exempt from wearing a mask - including at School and GP - but they refused her entry unless she did. She attended the same walk in centre a month ago for a PCR (same person even) but 'the rules have changed'. I thought she was going to bolt but she managed it thank goodness.

The LFT's we've been routinely doing twice a week as per guidance.

I'm sorry to hear that the mask rules have changed and your daughter had to wear one which wasn't easy for her. I thought if people were exempt from mask wearing they didn't have to wear one anywhere. I'm glad your daughter managed to wear it and have the pcr test done. It seems sensible to do one if you're a close contact, however it is only advised so noone would be breaking any rules if they chose not to for whatever reason. Obviously they definitely should if they have or develop any symptoms. Hopefully your results all come back as negative.

Yes I would do pcr test as lft not meant for symptoms

So, my kids are missing school - despite no T&T text for my 14 yr old, only for my 17 yr old (which said: 'you don't need to self isolate'). There one for me too which said I should get a PCR (double jabbed but appreciate you can still get it) but we dutifully ALL got our PCR's yesterday & awaiting results so seemed correct to isolate meantime.

Meanwhile, the 3 siblings of the positive kid in the other family are all going to school apparently as 'their LFT's are negative'.

Happily the test results are negative for all 3 of us (& were < 24 hours)